Rochester Cathedral’s most famous book, Textus Roffensis, will be on display as part of a ‘once-in-a-generation’ exhibition on Anglo-Saxon England. Anglo-Saxon Kingdoms: Art, Word, War is the largest ever exhibition on the history, literature and culture of Anglo-Saxon England. The exhibition at the British Library in London will highlight the key role manuscripts played in the transmission of ideas, literature and art across political and geographical boundaries, as well as the sophistication and craftsmanship of the works produced during this time.

Textus Roffensis is the only existing written copy of the first code of English Law, It dates back to the 12th century and predates Magna Carta by a century. It was compiled by a single scribe at Rochester Cathedral in the 1120’s. Some have seen it as containing foundation documents of the English state. It is recognised as a manuscript to rival any in historical and cultural importance

Anglo-Saxon Kingdoms will be open at the British Library from 19 October 2018 to 19 February 2019. Textus Roffensis will be back on display at Rochester Cathedral in Summer 2019.